Farmers Market chalkboard sign with fresh produce in baskets

From live music to fresh produce, farmers markets are the place to be. Learn more about the community you live in by checking out your local farmers market. It is a great place to find the in-season produce and support small businesses. By shopping at farmers markets, not only are you helping your local economy, but the health of the planet. For example, Farmers that sell at markets typically have a lower amount of waste as well as pollution in comparison to the farmers that sell at grocery stores. Farmers markets benefit everyone, so come on out to the local Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort markets and get your shop on!


Hilton Head Farmers Market

Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head

Tuesdays from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, year round

From pork, chicken and eggs to handmade pastas and breads, the Hilton Head Farmers Market is a great excuse to get up and get out. Early birds get the worm – Get to the farmers market early to get access to all of the goodies before they are gone! After shopping take a walk through the Coastal Discovery Museum to learn more about the history of Hilton Head.

Fresh Produce in baskets at the Hilton Head Island Farmers Market, Hilton Head Island, SC

The Farmers and Makers Market 

The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head

Tuesdays from 10 am – 2 pm, starting early March – Thanksgiving

Now in its 10th year with over 300 markets, The Farmers and Makers Market at Sea Pines is one to put on your checklist. The Farmers and Makers Market hosts a diverse group of local farmers, artists and vendors. Explore fresh local produce and seafood, crafts and artisans. See the Lowcountry at its best at The Farmers and Makers Market. 

Fresh peppers at farmers market, The Farmers and Makers Market 

First Thursdays Art Market

The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island

First Thursday of each month, from 4-7 p.m.

The First Thursdays Art Market, from 4-7 p.m. Nearly two dozen local artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, and jewelry makers, will showcase their work, with live music from local favorites. 

The First Thursday Art Market at The Shops at Sea Pines Center

Hilton Head Community Market

Shelter Cove Community Park, Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island

Every Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Local food. Local goods. Local friends. Join a rotating group of farmers, makers, bakers and more.

People walking around at a local market

Bluffton Farmers Market

Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton

Thursdays from 12:00 pm – 5 pm, closed July 5th, Thanksgiving and December

An open air farmers market that not only features local farmers and produce but live music, chef demos and kids activities. Between stands local artists come out to display their work. Whether you live in Bluffton or driving through, the Bluffton Farmers market is the place to check out!

Man standing at produce table at farmers market

Root and Bloom Market

Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton

Wednesday from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Another Bluffton farmers market but with a promise that they want to bring natural foods, organic produce, pastured meats, select artisans and natural wellness to those who visit them each week. Root and Bloom Market strives to educate the community about practicing sustainability and seeking natural alternatives. Pop by in the afternoons after work or school for a great evening of learning!

Farmers Market buys from Root and Bloom Market, Bluffton, SC

Bluffton Night Bazaar Market

Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road, Bluffton

1st Thursday 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, April-May & October – December

Join local makers and vendors in the courtyard of Burnt Church Distillery. There you will find a curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists! Each month has new vendors, so come back each month to discover something new. 

Bluffton Night Bazaar at Burnt Church Distillery, Bluffton, SC

Port Royal Farmers Market

Naval Heritage Park , 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal

Saturdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, rain or shine

For those in the Port Royal area, this is the farmers market for you. Check out this farmers market on Saturdays and stock up on fresh local produce, seafood and meats. Try out the food vendors and get yourself a nice bouquet of fresh flowers for the dining room table! But please leave pets at home as they are not allowed. 

Produce table at Port Royal Farmers Market

St. Helena Island Community Market

The Farmer’s Market Barn, 16 Penn Center Circle West, St. Helena Island 

Saturdays 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, April – December

Take a journey to St. Helena Island to check out the community market. Here you’ll find goodies from local farmers, makers, fishers and bakers! Learn more about the surrounding community by chatting with the farmers or try a taste of the local foods, the St. Helena Island Community Market has it all. 

Woman setting up booth at Community Market

Why shop at farmers markets?

Visiting a farmers market has multiple perks. Beyond enjoying a day in the great outdoors, there are more benefits of shopping at a farmers market than one might expect. Farmers markets are great places to get to know more about the community you live in and how to support the locals. 

Fresh produce and better tasting produce.

Oftentimes produce is shipped overseas and transported cross country. The produce that was picked fresh is no longer as fresh and has been refrigerated multiple times. Farmers market produce is generally picked at the last possible moment and sold shortly after. Whereas produce picked for grocery stores is picked before they are ripened. 

Higher in nutrients.

Farm-fresh produce goes through nutrient decreasing situations such as when and how it was harvested. Produce can lose up to 45 percent of its nutritional value due to travel alone. The shorter the time period between farm to table means the more vitamins and minerals are retained. 

Meet the farmers.

Being able to meet the farmers is a bonus. This allows people to ask farmers directly. For example, learn about the best way to eat produce, recipes, how to properly store, best season to eat certain produce, how quickly produce spoils. 

Support local businesses.

While this may seem obvious that you are helping local businesses by shopping at farmers markets, it is the behind the scenes that you may not know. When people buy locally, that money is going back to the community that they work and live in. Shopping local provides more jobs in the community, the increase in demand for these local goods creates the ability for businesses to expand. 

Exploring homemade/handmade goods. 

Farmers markets are not just for buying fresh produce and meats but goods such as soaps, flowers, artwork and crafts. These homemade and handmade goods are often one of a kind or a secret family recipe.

Tips for shopping at Farmers Markets infographic